By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, April 25, GNA – Government has called for stronger collaboration among farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions and research bodies to transform agriculture and ensure food security.
Mr Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, said agriculture remained the backbone of the national economy and a key driver of rural livelihoods.
A speech read on his behalf by Dr Solomon Gyan Ansah, Director of Crop Services at the Ministry, at the maiden Agricultural Fair in Accra, said partnerships were critical to addressing challenges in the sector.
The fair, organised by the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress, was on the theme: “From Farm to You: Decent Work Today, Food Security Tomorrow.”
The Minister commended GAWU for bringing together stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, describing the initiative as timely and essential.
He said the theme highlighted the need for fair wages, safe working conditions and social protection for agricultural workers, stressing that food security could not be achieved without protecting their dignity and welfare.
Mr Opoku said government had invested in inputs, credit, irrigation, mechanisation and extension services to boost productivity, but noted that innovation and collaboration remained necessary to overcome persistent constraints.
He urged agribusinesses and financial institutions to develop tailored products for smallholder farmers to improve access to credit and called on research institutions to translate innovations into practical solutions.
Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, said the fair offered a platform to deliberate on the welfare of agricultural workers and the future of the sector.
He said despite the willingness and capacity of farmers, challenges such as post-harvest losses, inadequate storage, limited market access and lack of credit continued to hinder productivity.
Dr Otokunor said Ghana recorded post-harvest losses of about three billion dollars annually, an amount comparable to the country’s food import bill.
“Efforts are underway to develop a one million metric tonne modern storage system to improve food preservation and market access,” he said.
Dr Otokunor said government was implementing measures, including plans to establish a national food buffer and farmer service centres, and emphasised the need for stronger public-private partnerships to improve storage infrastructure and value chains.
He said steps were also being taken to reduce input costs through local fertiliser production and improved economic stability.
Dr Otokunor reiterated the importance of decent work in agriculture, stressing that farmers must earn fair incomes and operate in safe conditions.
He supported calls for the establishment of a Ghana Agriculture Services Authority to enhance policy implementation and coordination, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey